Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio a Feast for the Eyes

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a country estate and botanical garden located in Akron, Ohio and opened to the general public for tours. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, it is a popular Akron area tourist attraction. The words "Stan Hywet'' do not refer to a person; rather, the words mean "stone quarry'' in Olde English.

The estate was originally built for the founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, F.A. Seiberling. He chose the name because of site was once occupied by an old stone quarry. Built between 1912 and 1915 and designed by architect Charles Sumner Schneider, the massive estate is fashioned in Tudor Revival style. Hugo F. Huber, a popular interior designer of the era, was responsible for choosing the furnishings, most of which came from high-priced stores in New York City or London.

Landscape architect Warren Manning was responsible for the design of the gardens, which were inspired by the natural topography of the property. He worked closely with Schneider to see that the gardens and estate complemented each other. Schneider designed several overlooks where the owners could enjoy views of the garden and the surrounding valley and lagoon. The gardens were redesigned in 1929 to include a classic English garden, designed by renowned landscaper architect Ellen Biddle Shipman.

Today, Stan Hywet Hall is considered one of the most outstanding examples of Tudor Revival architecture in the United States and visitors can enjoy the views both inside and out. While the architecture is stunning, the interior of the estate is also worth a visit, especially to view the amazing collection of art work inside as well as the beautiful architectural details. The house includes 21,000 panes of glass, 23 fireplaces, and a host of hand-carved wood features. The music room includes a beautiful 1916-built Aeolian pipe organ that was used to entertain guests in the early days of the mansion.

The gardens at Stan Hywet Hall originally measured some 1,000 acres but now include only about 70. A wonderful place to take photos, the gardens are divided into several sections including the Birch Allee Vista, a beautiful stretch of 100 grey birches; the Breakfast Room Garden, which reflects the colors of the interior breakfast room; the Dell, a natural woodland garden; an English Garden with reflecting pool and statuary; the Grape Arbor, with a variety of fruit trees; the Great Garden, with a huge variety of flowerbeds; the Great Meadow, reminiscent of the lawns of great English Tudor estates; a traditional Japanese Garden; a beautiful lagoon surrounded by natural plantings; and the stunning West Terrace, visible from the Great Room of the estate.

The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is open to the public year round from Tuesday through Sunday. Some extended evening hours are offered. Visitors may choose from guided house tours or a self-guided tour. Specialized tours are offered occasionally. A caf, is located on the premises, situated where the manor's horse stalls once sat.